Searching for studs

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While rubbing down some window trim with fine steel wool, I noticed some little black dots forming on the wall nearby. To my amazement, I discovered that some of the steel-wool particles were being attracted to the drywall screws that I had used to install the gypboard three years earlier. Evidently, the magnetic tip of my drywall screwdriver had imparted some of its magnetism to the screws. Now whenever I need to find a stud to hang a shelf or a picture, I just gently tap a piece of fine steel wool against the wall until the black dots magically appear.

Article Comments

CH Hanson is making a magnetic stud finder- they used to be the standard tool- the new version uses modern rare earth magnets for more sensitivity. Won't replace your electronic stud finder, but it's a nice complement. And as noted above, it has lots of other uses. I've seen low voltage installers use one to drag a washer on a string over to a hole.

I often use an older tip: a small super magnet epoxied to the end of a 32" brass sash chain. I swing it while lifting or lowering the chain to find DW screw heads. Held horizontally it shows the second stud over and a mark at 24" shows the location of 2' center studs. When hanging from a high screwhead it gives a plumb line along the stud center. Also good for retrieving ferrous things behind the dryer and attracting nails, etc. from the pouch or on the floor. It hangs on the shop wall just about anywhere too.

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